Andhra student death in Marwadi University: Father Seeks Justice

RAJKOT : Questions over student safety at Marwadi University have intensified after the death of 20-year-old engineering student Hemant Gandham, the second student to die by suicide on the campus within six days. Hemant’s family has disputed the reported health-related explanation and demanded answers from the university authorities.

Hemant, a native of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, was a fifth-semester Computer Engineering student specialising in Artificial Intelligence. Police said he died after falling from the sixth floor of the university’s main building on September 25. An Accidental Death report has been registered, and no suicide note was recovered.

Police have said preliminary inquiry indicated that Hemant had been distressed about health issues. His father, Sitaram, however, strongly disputed that account and said his son had undergone medical tests before returning to Rajkot.

“My son was in perfect health. He had undergone a full-body check-up, including a CT scan and MRI, before leaving for Rajkot. We sent him back only after doctors confirmed that he was fit,” Sitaram said.

According to the family, Hemant had complained of food poisoning shortly before the incident. His father said he informed university and hostel authorities and that Hemant consulted a private doctor.

Sitaram also recalled his final conversation with his son. “I called him around 6 am. Later, he told me he had gone for a bath and was heading to college. We still cannot understand what happened after that,” he said.

The family has sought a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Hemant’s death. Sitaram said he also plans to meet Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi next week to seek justice.

“We entrust our children to universities because we believe they will be safe. If we do not receive a satisfactory response, I will advise parents from Andhra Pradesh to think carefully before sending their children so far away,” he said.

The incident has triggered renewed concern because another Marwadi University student, 19-year-old Alla Venkatesh Soubharnika from Andhra Pradesh, died by suicide on September 19 after falling from the hostel building.

Following the second death, students staged protests on campus. Police detained several protesters during the demonstrations. The university has said it will cooperate with the investigation.

The police probe is continuing to establish the circumstances leading to Hemant’s death.